6 BULLETIN 41, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 
The rotation followed by a few men was corn three years, oats, 
and wheat. Clover seed was sown in the wheat. This generally 
makes a good growth the same year, after the wheat is cut. It was 
usually plowed under the same fall or the following spring on these 
farms and was not allowed to grow a crop of hay. Several farms had 
fields where corn had been grown almost continuously for a number 
of years. 
The plan generally followed was to plant as much corn as could 
be taken care of during the rush season. Other crops, such as wheat 
and oats, were used to fill in. Oats are generally recognized as being 
an unprofitable crop on such high-priced land. 
A large number of live stock was kept on some farms. The feeding 
of cattle, hogs, mules, and horses gave an important source of 
income. Still other farmers were strictly grain growers, keeping 
no stock except the necessary work animals. 
The farm buildings were ample and well kept. The fields were 
unusually large, with hedge fences bordering them. 
Considering the high price of land in that district, not as much 
care as one might expect is exercised in utilizing it, there being con- 
siderable waste areas along the fences and other places. 
The roads are not graveled, except in a few instances. In wet 
weather they are very bad, owing to the thick, tenacious, claylike 
soil. 
The farmers in the area studied are thrifty and are hard workers. 
They know how to utilize machinery effectively so as to handle large 
areas, one man and team being expected to take care of 60 acres of 
corn. 
DESCRIPTION OF THE IOWA AREA. 
In Iowa the townships of Willow, Greenbrier, and Highland, in 
the counties of Guthrie and Greene, were selected. This area is 
about 50 miles northwest of Des Moines and on the Chicago and 
Omaha line of the Chicago, Milwaukee, & St. Paul Railroad. 
The region has not been settled as long as either the one in Illinois 
or thatin Indiana. Being prairie land with timber growth only along 
the streams, it is a fertile and productive agricultural district. In 
some places it is very rolling, steep hills being not uncommon. The 
rough areas are confined to the southern part, particularly to Guthrie 
County. 
The soil is a dark, rich loam and is very poorly drained in the more 
level areas. Tile-drainage projects have opened up thousands of 
acres in that vicinity within the last few years. 
Corn, oats, and hay are the main crops. Wheat is sown, but not 
extensively, 
